James Bond and The Perils of Casting a New 007

This article comes fromDen of Geek UK.

Since 1962, fewer men have played James Bond than have walked on the moon.

As far as Im concerned, Ive got the best job in the world.

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But over the series history, vacancies for the lead role have been relatively scarce.

Burton turned it down due to salary dispute and his feeling that the concept was untested.

I didnt think Bond would be successful in the movies.

That was one of the greatest mistakes of my career!

Every time a new Bond picture became a smash hit, I tore out my hair.

Still, having made such an impression, the process of replacing Connery must have been daunting.

But plenty of actors turned down the part for various reasons too.

Timothy Dalton was in consideration too, but ruled himself out because he felt he was too young.

So he said, well, so has Sean Connery… he said, you could well do it.

But he didnt offer it to me!

Despite this earlier plan falling into place, there was still a search for a new star.

For Your Eyes Only

The first wobble came in 1979, following the production ofMoonraker.

While Eon waited to see if the star would return, other actors were considered.

James Brolin wasnt British, but he was a Hollywood leading man of some standing at this point.

The film was being released in 1983, in direct competition with the next Eon film,Octopussy.

The producers got in touch with Moore and persuaded him to come back again.

Herman character inPee Wees Big Adventure.

Moore reflected in 2007: I was only about four hundred years too old for the part.

Just imagine that for a minute and whimper quietly well wait.

Paul McGann was also in the running, if Brosnan hadnt accepted the role.

And I had to take that on board because I did want to marry her.

But having decided not to renew Brosnans contract, the leading man wasnt announced until October that year.

Jackman was about to play Wolverine again, presumably inX-Men: The Last Stand, judging by the timing.

Meanwhile, McGregor had apparently had his fill of franchise roles after playing Obi-Wan Kenobi in theStar Warsprequels.

But with Bond, I suppose its a much longer shoot and theres a massive amount of publicity.

I would worry about not being able to do any other work.

before he proved his naysayers wrong with one of the very best Bond movies to date.

So, whos next?

Thats why we think the smart money is on Henry Cavill eventually taking over the role.

Its never been a complete unknown, but hardly anybody correctly guessed the current Bond before he was announced.